(Photos: L=Aerin Alexander, R=Regresar Group)
The following is a blog post from one of the instructors, Aerin Alexander. Aerin and Dr. Miles Reid run the Being Energy program and Aerin kindly donated her time to Regresar Al Bienestar to teach a class. To learn more about Being Energy visit http://beingenergy.com/
I was honored to be part of a remarkable event
in support of women with breast cancer. It was the first of four
monthly events in downtown Los Angeles organized by Cancer Support
Community Benjamin Center specifically to offer friendship and support for
Spanish-speaking women and their families. It was powerful. I am certain the
remaining three events will be just as remarkable (the dates will be October
12, November 9 and December 14, 2013; for details, see http://www.cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org).
It was a joy to participate on Saturday, and to
speak my mother tongue (Spanish) and work with the local Los Angeles community.
I’ve been invited to return to again present the work we do with Being
Energy—the energy enhancing mind-body practices and educational information that
are an integral part of our programs. I so look forward to returning to offer our
work to these wonderful Latina women and their families.
As I entered
the Mercado La Paloma (in downtown LA), I was greeted by a cheerful,
colorfully decorated indoor market. Inside, a multitude of Mexican stores sell
everything from tailoring services to food and clothing. It was 10 a.m. and the
enticing aroma of tortillas and chocolate caliente filled the air. Many people were
enjoying breakfast. I felt at home.
The Cancer
Support Community meeting took place in a large room. I was the first presenter
and I was a bit anxious. Around 40 people were just concluding their first
group support session and were looking forward to getting out of their chairs
and moving their bodies.
I started by
explaining that Being Energy is a system of movements that help us to regain
our vitality and energy. One of the well-received highlights of the
presentation was when I spoke about our “spirit”—our intangible part—that is
not touched by the cancer. I also talked about the ways that we can revitalize
ourselves from the inside out so that the experience can be met as a challenge and
not as a curse.
I talked
about finding a new description for our bodies and minds, and about moving and
positive thinking! We practiced the Gathering
Energy form and counted the number of repetitions to help focus our minds
on the present moment and connect mind and body with the purpose of joyful
movement. In spite of the heat and through the sweat, everyone counted and
enjoyed the moment, applauding vigorously at the end.
All
participants received a printed copy of the PowerPoint portion of the
presentation, and a copy of “Guided Visualizations of the Heart” that are part
of Being Energy’s daily practices.
Quietly, connected
to our hearts with hands held to our chests and eyes closed, we felt the heart
beating and visualized the heart as a center for processing information—the heart
as a brain connecting with our loved ones in a sincere and caring way.
“I can give
all the love I have,” said one person.
“We felt both very connected and empowered,” said another.
“We felt both very connected and empowered,” said another.
One
participant said, “I am usually very negative with my thoughts and attitude, I
fear death. This exercise helped me to connect to life and to the love I have
for my children. That keeps me alive.”
This is but
a sampling of the experiences in the room. At the end, no longer strangers, we
exchanged hugs. I was able to see once more the power of connecting from the
heart and offering our best, and how it affects people in such beneficial ways.
Two years
ago, my mother died of cancer and last Saturday in downtown LA I was somehow honoring
her as well.
Hooray to
all these brave warriors, and to all of us who are going through challenging
times, finding as we face our challenges our true strength and spirit.
And for all
of you Being Energy teachers and our community of practitioners, this is your
call to jump up and share what you know. Your light will shine through to help
others in ways that you can’t anticipate.
Much love to
all,
Aerin
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